Failing Old Silver Filling
Older filling also known as amalgam filling, have been used over years and are still being used today.
Failing Old Silver Filling
Older filling also known as amalgam filling, have been used over years and are still being used today.
Older filling also known as amalgam filling, have been used over years and are still being used today.
It is a stable alloy made with mercury, silver and some other metals. They are usually strong, durable and also have the capability to withstand a lot of wear and tear. It can typically last anywhere from 10 to 15 years.
Even though they are durable for years, it is important to see the dentist regularly for checkups. Because the earlier detection prevents further damage and can be fixed soon with less expenses.
Causes of old dental work failure:
- Cracks in your filled tooth: The metal used in amalgam fillings corrodes over time causing it to expand and contract, and can cause fractures over years. Food debris, saliva and bacteria can leak through the fracture causing decay.
- Decay under your silver filling: Silver filling can hide a decay underneath the old filling which usually can go undetected as they are opaque to x-rays. It does not mean that just because a tooth is filled it is cavity free.
- Leakage in the filling: As amalgam fillings break down, they begin to pull away from the tooth and begin to leak. This is a problem that allows food, saliva, and bacteria to enter your tooth which can cause damage to the tooth , thus leads to decay and it is also more susceptible to fracturing.
- Bruxism: When clenching or grinding your teeth continuously, causes the filling to break down faster due to more excessive pressure.
- Chew on hard objects: Some people have the habit of chewing on hard objects. These practices can also impact filled teeth by putting more pressure on the tooth and may fracture.
Common complications:
- Silver filling Failure: The amalgam fillings used to be quite popular in older days, and many people still have them because they were less costly than white colored fillings. White fillings are standard now because they preserve the color of the tooth. However, silver amalgam fillings cause trouble because they are not bonded to your tooth. Instead, they are supported by the surrounding tooth structure. Because they are not actually bonded to the tooth surface, it is easier for the areas around the filling to wear away and lead to fracture or weaken the tooth.
- Mercury Toxic: Small amounts of mercury are harmless; it’s only when we’re continually exposed to large amounts that problems can occur.
When will you need a replacement:
There is always a common question from everyone about these silver filling. If I need to replace my old silver mercury filling?
- Patient’s interest: The concern of the patients actually revolve around having mercury in their mouth for a longer-term and also about esthetics, how these fillings deteriorate their confidence when they smile.
If a patient wants to replace amalgam filling due to esthetic reasons, normally this is okay. But it is better to leave a deep silver filling as it is, rather than provoking the inflammatory response of the tooth. Because it has a high risk of needing a root canal treatment.
- Dentist’s recommendation: As everybody knows amalgam is a metal, usually the metals expand more than tooth structure and thus over time cause teeth to crack . In these cases, dentists do recommend the removal of the offending amalgam filling.
As long as your old amalgam fillings are maintained well and they are still doing the job, there is no reason to go and replace them with more modern materials. However, in some instances it is better to get a replacement done. Because sometimes old filings can cause problems that you didn’t expect. Just because you had a cavity repaired does not mean that your tooth will remain healthy for many years. Sometimes, fillings can fail, and catching the problem earlier can help you avoid pain and later on expenses.
Prevention:
- Regular dental care is recommended to detect potential problems in the mouth.
- Proper oral hygiene helps the filling last longer.
- Avoid biting hard objects on the side of filling.
- Get the treatment done if you have any grinding/clenching habits.
- If you feel any discomfort on the filling site, do visit a dentist as soon as you can, to avoid the further problems and expenses.
Broken Tooth
Bruxism
Bruxism is characterised by the clenching/grinding of the teeth due to repetitive jaw-muscle activity
Cracked Tooth Syndrome
A broken tooth that doesn’t necessarily look broken.
Crowded Teeth
Dead Tooth
It may surprise you, but teeth do actually have living tissues.
Dental Anxiety
Dental Erosion
Dental erosion can be defined as the irreversible loss of tooth enamel caused by acids without involving bacteria.
Dry Socket
Dry socket also known as Alveolar Osteitis, is a common complication associated with tooth extractions.
Failing Old Silver Filling
Older filling also known as amalgam filling, have been used over years and are still being used today.
Gingivitis
In simpler terms, it is an inflammatory disease of the gingiva.
Gum Disease
Gum Recession
Gum recession occurs when the tissues around the teeth start to recede/pull back.
Halitosis
Halitosis is an unpleasant odour emitted from the mouth.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Third molars, commonly known as wisdom teeth, are located at the back of the mouth
Missing Teeth
Sensitive Teeth
A common dental condition that involves discomfort and pain when exposed to certain foods and temperatures.
Snoring
A partially obstructed airway during sleep causes parts of the throat or nose to vibrate as the air passes through a narrowed airway.
TMJ Dysfunction
Temporomandibular joint dysfunctions are a group of disorders affecting the masticatory system.
Tooth Brush Abrasion
Tooth brush abrasion is the most common cause of dental abrasion.
Tooth Decay
Toothache
Toothache, or dental pain, is the most frequent oral pathology
Yellow / Discoloured Teeth
Tooth discoloration/yellow tooth is an abnormal colour of the tooth, is one of the common dental conditions for any age grouped people.
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